How to Tie the Melvin Daddy with Steve Cullen


How to Tie the Melvin Daddy with Steve Cullen

This week's pattern is Steve Cullen's Melvin Daddy, a bold lough style hopper designed to get the trout's attention. With its dark, mobile profile, bright red tag and subtle flash through the body, it is a cracking choice when you want a fly that will stand out in broken water.

The pheasant tail body keeps the pattern slim and natural, while the knotted legs and soft hen hackle create plenty of movement. Steve fishes this on some of the big English reservoirs particularly Draycote in August and September. Worked through the surface as a standard hopper or pulled as a wet fly when the fish want something livelier.


All materials needed to tie this fly are available from Glasgow Angling Centre or Edinburgh Angling Centre and are listed below. As always, if you need any help finding materials or substitutes, we'll be happy to help.

Tied by Steve Cullen Fly Fishing & Fly Tying.

Materials Used

Hook: Size 10/12 Fario Barbless Strong Dry or similar
Thread: Black UNI 8/0 Waxed Thread
Rib: Thin Silver Wire UTC Ultra Wire
Legs: Knotted Natural Cock Pheasant Tail Fibres
Hackle: Black Indian Hen Hackle
Head: Black tying thread, finished with varnish
Need all these materials? Click HERE

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Check out Steve Cullen's other videos on his YouTube channel.

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